When I’m trying to clean up another mess, while the dog chews up a favorite sandal, and the baby wants me to hold his booger, I can sometimes lose sight of the things in my life for which I am grateful.

I recently heard a friend talking about keeping a Gratitude Journal. Every night before bed, she writes down five things that she is grateful for no matter how big or small. Doing this helps her switch the focus from the negative to the positive and gives her a new appreciation for the simple blessings in her life. I’m going to be honest. When I decided to give this a try tonight, I had a hard time coming up with five things. Once I got started, though, I could have gone on forever…

I wish my hands were that pretty.

1. I’m thankful that my children are healthy. Even though Houston, age two, has a cold and is getting snot all over my furniture.

2. One of the kids told me I was pretty today. I’m grateful that they didn’t mention my jiggly thighs this time.

4. Wegmans. Because when I have to go to Walmart, I am more than grateful to get out of there!

5. That I’m able to stay home with my children. All. The. Time.

6. That my husband doesn’t care that my pajamas don’t match - when he comes home for lunch.

7. Cotton Candy ice cream. (See jiggly thighs)

8. The sound of Logan’s laugh.

9. That Ethan, even at ten years old, still likes to cuddle.

10. Taking naps with my two youngest.

11. A good book.

12. Puppies!

See? I told you I was on a roll! Writing in a gratitude journal might not be something I do every day. But I do have to admit, for a few minutes I had a smile on my face thinking about all the simple things in my life. I truly am blessed!

What 5 simple things are you grateful for today? You can come share them Here

Contributors

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications, working for ad agencies, nonprofits, and small businesses. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons learned from her son on motherhood, love, and life. Kris is currently working on a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums. She loves comments and feedback, so send her a note at kristinebruneau@me.com.

is an award-winning communications professional with 25 years experience working in journalism and public relations and with social media. She is also a comedian and has learned that weaving humor into all situations makes communication and life more enjoyable for all involved. She is an adjunct college professor and recently started her own company, Dresden Public Relations, to enable her to be a more-present mom for her two young daughters. One is adopted, one has cerebral palsy, both are beautiful and extraordinary, and life at her house is a fabulous adventure.

Claire Goverts is a working mom to a curious toddler girl on the go. A Buffalo to Rochester transplant, Claire enjoys exploring more of the area, which suits toddler fine. The zoo is a current favorite. She enjoys trying new things with daughter, including crafting ‘new’ play items. Such as coffee can turned drum, container, and mirror. She also shares a love of nature and the outdoors with her daughter.

And in her spare time Claire enjoys creative pursuits. Be in drawing, photography, jewelry making, and of course writing. She would like to publish novels one day, and has several National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) wins under her belt.

Tree Marino is a 30-something mother of tween/teen daughters. She works full time, while her husband stays home with the girls. This was not always the case. When the girls were younger she was a stay-at-home mom (who rarely stayed at home). Tree works toward making her family more green without ruffling to many feathers (inside the family and out). You might find her planning a casual event for her daughters' school or running her small business.

is a busy single mom of two busy boys from Brockport - Brice, 7, and Brady Patrick, 4. A graduate of the University of Rochester, she writes freelance articles and The Brockport Blog for The Democrat and Chronicle. She is also a contributing writer to Rochester Woman Magazine and a former reporter for Messenger Post Newspapers. Caurie enjoys being a hockey mom, photography, swimming, and life guarding at the YMCA. Look to her Mom Blog for pieces on parenting a child with special needs and parenting as a single mom. You can reach her at www.caurie.com or caurie@urgrad.rochester.edu

Debra Ross is publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, an online resource for parents who want to know about the cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities for kids in their local area.

She is a weekly guest on two morning radio shows in Rochester, WARM 101.3 and Fickle 93.3 and also appears often on local television. She and her husband, David Ross, a professor at RIT, home school their daughters Madison, 13, and Ella, 11. They live in Brighton.